Raymond L. Blough

June 16, 1958 ~
July 30, 2025

Raymond L. Blough, age 67, of Middleville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Ray was born on June 16,1958 in Hastings, MI to Richard and Elvira Blough. He graduated from Thornapple-Kellogg High School. Ray loved spending time with friends and family – whether that was in the form of a spirited game of cribbage, camping trips with the travel trailer or hunting and fishing throughout Michigan. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed tackling projects around the house and neighborhood. Ray was known for his unique sense of humor; those who knew him well can attest.

While the bulk of his career was spent at STOCK Building Supply, he also drove school bus for a period of time and enjoyed his many seasons working at Otto’s Turkey Farm around Thanksgiving.

Mourning his passing is his wife of 36 years, Kathy; children: Benjamin Blough, Bethany Blough (fiancé Chase); brother, Berny (Gina) Blough; sisters-in-law, Debbie Blough, Faye VanderVeen (Shawn); brother-in-law, Sherman (Laurie) VanderVeen; nieces and nephews: Jake (Jennifer) Blough, Hillary Blough; Logan, Nolan VanderVeen. He was preceded in death by both parents, his in-laws, and his brothers, Russell and Larry.

Ray will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, incredible wit and a generous spirit. According to his wishes, there will be no services.

Leave Your Tribute Message

August 16, 2025

I was sorry to read of Ray passing that the young age of 67 Ray was a giant of a man and so kind and a very hard worker. We work together in the days of Smith lumber before it was sold to Erb Lumbef and then to Stock Lumber. I still engaged with him on a regular basis as I made deliveries to those facilities through luck when I went to work for Lumbermens. Always a laugh always a big smile and always helpful. I’m sure he raised his children the same way Godspeed Ray will see you again when the roles called up yonder Stan Dykstra

- Stan Dykstra

August 09, 2025

We will never forget you Ray and the good times we had.

- Marc & Brenda Robertson

August 06, 2025

I have more memories than a book could hold. Wow. Just thinking about it brings so, so, many of them back. Ray and I had some fun times, trying times, and we always laughed about them. I wish I knew his last struggles. We talked about God. We talked about suffering. .Ray had a good heart. And Ray loved Kathy and his kids. He talked about them even though I didn't know them. Ray and I go back to when we were kids. I can still see Dick and Elvira's face and there hospitality when I would stay the night. The memories are vivid now as they were. I remember his Mom showing me her composite pile and his dad showing me his fireplace insert that heated the house and how.. And then their is Berny and Russ. We all have many memories. I wish I could see them all again. And Ray as we said, well keep most of it to ourselves. A hint. Driving backwards down M37, the oops moment, and Gordy ripping his pants on your Grand Prix. Yes, even the VW with it's habit forming. Cal slugging down a Pepsi pouring down his front. .oh...so, so, many. It was all good.. don't get me wrong. Ray had a heart bigger than the world. And he was as good as gold. Rest in peace my good friend and if Paul sees this please hold the sun block!

- Mark McKitrick

August 06, 2025

I am sad to hear about Raymond's passing away. I have many fond memories from grade school to our young adulthood. I had the privilege to work Raymond at Dee's Standard and when I lived in Florida for a few years Raymond came to visit Mark McKitrick and myself for fun packed short time. Ray was a hoot to hang around with. Although we lost touch over the years I am thankful for many wonderful memories. Anytime I think of Raymond I always get a smile. I am thankful for the time we spent together. Thank you Raymond 😊

- Paul Newman